V Travesía RCNT — Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The V Travesía RCNT 2026 takes place on September 19, 2026, at the Real Club Náutico de Tenerife, offering three competitive distances: 150m, 1000m, and 2000m. The event, organized by the club’s swimming section, requires participants to handle registration and chip collection the day prior at the club facilities. Sea temperatures in this Atlantic bay typically reach 23–24 °C in September, providing stable conditions for a mid-distance open water challenge. Swimmers often find themselves navigating near the port, a site with significant maritime history, including the 1656 naval engagement where an English squadron maneuvered on the tide to attack a Spanish silver fleet. The skyline remains dominated by the Iglesia de la Concepción, which houses the original cross that marked the city's foundation in 1494 and serves as a primary visual landmark from the water.

Historical waters and local identity

As you swim, you are traversing waters that once functioned as a critical defensive line for the Macaronesian region. In July 1797, these coastal currents saw the Battle of Santa Cruz, an amphibious assault led by Admiral Horatio Nelson that resulted in his retreat and the loss of his right arm. Beyond the military history, the local culture is tied to the horse mackerel, locally known as the 'chicharro'. This species gave the city its allegorical symbol and the nickname 'chicharrero' for its residents, reflecting a deep historical connection to the fishing industry. While the nearby Las Teresitas beach, with its Sahara-imported sand, and the looming Anaga Biosphere Reserve highlight the natural diversity of the northern coastline, the race remains anchored in the historic harbour. For those seeking additional competition, swimmers often look to the V San Salitre for earlier season challenges in these same waters. Participants are reminded that the 150m event is reserved for youth categories, while all swimmers must submit a personal responsibility form during the mandatory pre-race registration window.